Thunder Earn First NBA Title Appearance Since Relocation

Russell Westbrook and the Thunder have plenty to be excited about. (Sue Ogrocki)

After winning Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs became just the fourth team in NBA history to win at least 20 games in a row. Experts and analysts were calling them unbeatable and the complete package. I guess the Oklahoma City Thunder didn't get the memo or buy into it. They dominated the Spurs in Game 3 and closed out Games 4 and 5 exquisitely to take a 3-2 advantage, heading into Game 6 back in San Antonio.

The Spurs knew the game was a must-win, and they displayed it from the onset. In the first half, they basically had their way offensively and forced many turnovers as a result. The Spurs advantage at the half was 15 points. However, the Thunder came out in the second half looking like a different team. They outscored the Spurs 59-36 from that point on. Kevin Durant led the way with 36 points and 14 rebounds. Russell Westbrook added 25 emphatic points.

The fact that the Thunder basically swept a Spurs team who had just won 20 games in a row is remarkable. What is even more incredible is when you consider where this franchise was just a few years ago. Three seasons ago, they started out 3-29, on pace for the worst record in NBA history. Add in the fact in the fact that in the playoffs, the Thunder beat they the only three Western Conference teams to reach the NBA Finals since 1998, the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and now the Spurs. It is extraordinary what they have accomplished to get to this point. Now, they await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals. No matter who they play in the NBA Finals, you can be assured that this young team and their enthused fan base will be ready to put forth their best.